The real reason why Brad Marchand was absent from Team Canada's lineup comes out from Jon Cooper
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Sam Walker
Feb 18, 2026 (10:36)
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Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Brad Marchand vanished from Team Canada’s lineup, and the Olympics quarterfinal pressure made it feel bigger than a simple scratch.
Canada rolled through prelims, but Marchand sitting out two straight games still turned into a real storyline. It does not happen quietly with a player like that.
The reason is not a mystery anymore. Jon Cooper confirmed Marchand was a healthy scratch and also confirmed he will play in the quarterfinal.
That combo tells you what this really was. Canada managed workload, protected a banged-up veteran, and saved a bullet for the games that actually swing medals.
Marchand’s last action came in the 5-0 win over Czechia, and it was efficient. He posted an assist, two shots, a plus-one, and only 9:29 of ice time.
Then the rest plan kicked in. Cooper’s staff could afford it because Canada entered the knockout round at 3-0-0 with a plus-17 goal differential.
The injury context matters too. Marchand missed ten of Florida’s last 15 games before the Olympic break, so it tracks that this was about maintenance, not punishment.
Marchand himself didn't believe he would find himself in Canada's lineup, so he will certainly take Wednesday's quarterfinal game against Sweden with a chip on his shoulder.
"To be honest, coming in, I didn't think I'd be in the lineup. I thought I'd kinda be the extra guy and be a voice. Try to be loud and obnoxious in the room. So, I mean, I'm just so proud and honoured to be part of this group."
Brad Marchand gives Team Canada its edge back Wednesday
If you’re a Canada fan, you loved the wins but still hated the uncertainty, because single-elimination hockey does not forgive surprises.
Marchand’s value is simple in this format. He shortens possessions, draws attention on the forecheck, and makes the other team’s blue line rush decisions.
He also brings real production into the room. With Florida this season, he hit 25-25-50 in 46 games before the break.
Now the stakes shift fast. Canada sees Czechia again on Wednesday, and Marchand being back lets Cooper run four lines without gifting soft minutes.
The message is clear. The “absence” was strategy, and the quarterfinal is when the leash comes off.
Also read on Sunrise Hockey Insider :
Two Team Canada members officially out of the lineup for quarterfinal game
Two Team Canada members officially out of the lineup for quarterfinal game
Previously on Sunrise Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 18|37 ANSWERS The real reason why Brad Marchand was absent from Team Canada's lineup comes out from Jon Cooper Should Brad Marchand stay in Team Canada’s lineup the rest of the Olympics? | ||
| Yes | 30 | 81.1 % |
| No | 7 | 18.9 % |
| List of polls | ||